RESOLUTION URGING THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE TO ENACT LEGISLATION TO ENABLE THE COUNTY TO LEVY AN ADDITIONAL PENNY OF PROFESSIONAL SPORTS BED TAX AND PERMIT THE STATE TO GRANT A STATE SALES TAX REBATE FROM THE SALE OF GOODS AND SERVICES AT SUN LIFE STADIUM IN ORDER TO FUND A PORTION OF THE COSTS EXPENDED FOR THE UPGRADE AND MODERNIZATION OF SUN LIFE STADIUM

Indexes:

LEGISLATURE

SUN LIFE STADIUM

URGING

Sponsors:

Barbara J. Jordan, Prime Sponsor

Sunset Provision:
No

Effective Date:

Expiration Date:

Registered Lobbyist:

None Listed

Legislative History

Acting Body

Date

Agenda Item

Action

Sent To

Due Date

Returned

Pass/Fail

Board of County Commissioners

1/23/2013

11A28

Adopted

P

REPORT:

County Attorney Robert Cuevas read the foregoing proposed resolution into the record.
Commissioner Jordan noted the Sun Life Stadium, originally known as Joe Robbie Stadium, has remained in Commission District 1 since its inception, and she was proud to sponsor this resolution. Commissioner Jordan noted she supported this proposal because it posed no burden to the taxpayers of Miami-Dade County and more than half of the proposed stadium renovations would be paid for by the Dolphins franchise and private sector monies. She recognized Mr. Mike Dee, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Miami Dolphins, to provide an overview of this proposal.
Chairwoman Sosa clarified that she would not open a public hearing today for public input, but the sponsor had the prerogative to recognize someone from the community to speak on this item.
Mr. Mike Dee, CEO for the Miami Dolphins, appeared before the Board and recognized several community leaders, business representatives and various organizations connected to the Sun Life Stadium that support this proposal. Mr. Dee noted approval of the foregoing resolution was the first step in a process for getting approval of certain State Legislative Bills (FHB165 and SB306) that authorized Miami-Dade County to access two specific public funding sources, and was a non-binding resolution that only urged the State Legislature to approve those bills. He also noted the proposal would not impact the taxpayers of Miami-Dade County; that any deal made must be smart, fair, equitable, and show a return that outweighed any public investment; and it must hold the parties accountable to the highest standard of transparency. Mr. Dee said this proposed resolution would send a message to the State Legislature that the County was serious about dialoging this proposal. He commented that the County could not afford to lose this opportunity as it did in 1981 when a proposed plan to preserve the Orange Bowl was strongly opposed and likely caused the County to lose the chance to host two Super Bowls games.
Mr. Dee presented the following 6-point pledge that underscored the team’s commitment, and sets important parameters as the basis for a future dialogue:
1) Approach this partnership differently than any other, by investing more, pledging more and returning more to the community and the fans;
2) Guarantee that private investment and funding paid for most of the stadium construction costs, including potential cost overruns and financing risks associated with the Sun Life Stadium improvements;
3) Not request any new or increased tax for the residents of Miami-Dade County (MDC); and that any requests for public investment would be paid for by visitors to MDC, not by the tax paying citizens. Currently, the County has the most competitive tax rates nationwide and local hoteliers support a one-penny tax increase, which would not affect the competitiveness in the long run;
4) Create over 4,000 local jobs by hiring from the local community of MDC, as part of a 22 month construction schedule;
5) Build a world-class facility with improved sight lines, seats that would be moved closer to the field, and an electric environment that included HD lighting upgrades, scoreboard, and a sound system that would put this facility on an equal playing field with other newly constructed facilities around the country that were direct competitors;
6) Secure the future of the Dolphins franchise, by committing the Dolphins to play at a modernized Sun Life Stadium through 2034, which was 20 years after the completion date, and maintain an open mind for a longer term arrangement.
Mr. Dee noted the stadium renovations were essential for Miami to host future super bowls, college national championship games, and international sporting events, such as international soccer and the 2019 Pan-American Games. He noted the request for a county investment was for a maximum of $199 million and the Miami-Dolphins would invest a minimum of $201 million for this project. He noted the current economic impact to South Florida from a Super Bowl Game was a minimum of $300 million and from a College Championship Game was a minimum of $200 million; but, a modernized, competitive facility that hosted Super Bowls and College Championship Games was projected to generate an economic impact of at least $1.5 billion over the next 20 years, which was a conservative estimate that did not factor in projected returns from international sporting events like international soccer and the 2019 Pan-American games. Mr. Dee noted his commitment to accomplish all of this and provide most of the funding, without any increased taxes to Miami-Dade County residents.
Mr. Dee asked that the County Commission consider adopting the foregoing resolution. He pointed out that Miami was competing with San Francisco for the award to host Super Bowl L (50th Super Bowl), which would be awarded on May 22, 2013 in Boston, Massachusetts, just seventeen weeks from today. Mr. Dee noted he looked forward to working with everyone in the weeks ahead to make this happen and that his goal was to put Miami back in the number one position.
Commissioner Jordan noted today’s (1/23) vote was non-binding, and only supported a resolution that urged the State to allow the County to decide how to improve the Dolphin’s stadium. She noted the County Commission would have an opportunity to discuss a deal after a ruling by the State. She noted the improvements of the facility would be paid for by public money and the County could not afford to ignore the economic benefits that would result from the modernized facility which would create over 4,000 local jobs. She commented on the County’s benefit of having a world class facility and the economic returns from all events related to the Super Bowl L, which would not be shared with any other county. She also noted the County could do community outreaches to educate the public on the benefits of improving this facility and what it would bring to the community.
It was moved by Commissioner Jordan that the Board adopt this resolution. This motion was seconded by Commissioner Moss, followed by discussion.
Commissioner Bovo commented on the unfortunate situation that Miami-Dade County found itself in with the Marlins Baseball Stadium; however opined that this proposal was entirely different and expressed his appreciation to the Dolphins organization for their efforts. He stressed the need to analyze this proposal from a public policy perspective. He opined that Broward County would reap economic benefits, despite the Dolphins commitment to conduct all Superbowl events in Miami-Dade County, since events in Superbowl host cities were dictated by the National Football League (NFL), not the team franchise. He also expressed concern with the timing of this proposal, noting just nine days after the Dolphins held a press conference on this issue; it was now before the County Commission without any public education.
Commissioner Bovo further noted the Dade Delegation was not yet on board with this proposal, and suggested Mayor Gimenez meet with the Dolphin organization to work out all the details and report back to the County Commission in order for the Commission to make an informed decision. He stated there was still time to conduct public meetings to educate the community on this proposal prior to it being presented at the upcoming legislative session in March 2013.
Commissioner Bovo commented on the Dolphin organization’s genuine approach to this proposal and urged that his colleagues not allow it to be exclusive as they did with the Marlins deal. He asked that, as part of the negotiations, the Dolphins organization guarantee the team remained in Miami-Dade County and not relocate if an agreement could not be reached.
In response to an inquiry by Commissioner Bovo regarding the total amount the County would be paying for the Marlins Stadium, Mayor Gimenez responded it would be approximately $2 to $3 billion which was the reason he opposed that agreement.
Mayor Gimenez assured the County Commission that he would not present a financing deal that was anywhere near what the Marlin’s Stadium was costing the County. He concurred with Commissioner Bovo’s suggestion that he be involved in discussions with the Dolphins organization and the need for community input on this proposal.
Commissioner Bovo reiterated the need for the County Commission to be more informed on this proposal prior to it being presented to the State Legislature and noted he could not support the proposed resolution in its current format.
Commissioner Moss noted this issue was a difficult one for the community, following the Marlins deal. He said he was open minded about supporting a deal with the Miami Dolphins provided it was nothing like the Marlins deal; included an open-book policy for a review of the team’s annual income to help him determine if the public funding request should be supported; must provide local jobs to the community; and be a true private/public partnership to which the County received a benefit equitable to the funds it contributed towards the renovations. He also noted the deal should include provisions for the team’s owner to pay the cost overruns and any outstanding debt, should the team be sold. He said he would like to see something to provide opportunities for underprivileged children to attend games, especially if seats are vacant. He commented that he had a problem with Broward County benefiting from the events held in this stadium, but not contributing towards the improvements.
Commissioner Moss asked Mr. Dee to explain the benefits that the Miami Dolphins received when a super bowl game or national championship college game was hosted in the stadium.
Mr. Dee noted, for a Super Bowl game, the National Football League (NFL) received the benefit of using the stadium at no charge, and all rights, benefits and revenues generated by the hosting facility from ticket sales, concessions and parking on that given day, plus other traditional revenues. He said he believed that certain suite holders for Miami Dolphins games had the right to buy some of the suites in a Super Bowl game. Mr. Dee pointed out that the Miami Dolphins players contributed over 15,000 in pro bono hours during the Super Bowl held in Miami in 2010. Regarding College Championship games, Mr. Dee noted the current system involved an agreement with the Orange Bowl Committee that was similar to the rental structure used for the Orange Bowl Game; however, that system no longer existed and the game was no longer awarded to Miami every four years. He said that beginning in 2015, college championship games would be put out for bid, as is done with Super Bowl games, and the bid competition should be similar as for super bowl games, and said he highly expected the facility to be rent free for college championship games as well.
In response to Commissioner Moss’ inquiry regarding whether financing was available through the NFL for this project, Mr. Dee noted the NFL financing program was in the form of a loan, with a complex formula and very complicated criteria. He noted the Dolphins anticipate pursuing it, but he was unsure whether the project would qualify, based on the criteria. Mr. Dee noted the team’s pledge is to fund this project with private funding and pursue NFL financing, if it was doable.
In response to Commissioner Moss’ inquiry regarding whether financing through the NFL was considered private financing, Mr. Dee noted it was preferred financing, secured by credit, and it circumvented a past challenge when debt ceilings were imposed on the teams by the NFL. He said the teams could now take on more debt load through this program, but at a risk. He noted any debt incurred for the foregoing project would be in addition to the existing $230 million debt the owners inherited when they purchased the team.
Mr. Dee stressed a statement made by Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, who recently said that the Miami Dolphins would not move away from Miami as long as he was the owner of the team, and pledged that the Dolphins would commit to play at the Sun Life Stadium through year 2034. He underscored that the statement contradicted any belief that the team would enter into a private/public partnership for investments to improve the facility and come back ten years later to ask the Board for a new facility. Mr. Dee said the proposed facility would be able to serve the Dolphins, the Miami Hurricanes, and all Orange Bowl games and Beacon Council events, competitively, for at least the next 20 years. He assured the Board that this proposal contained no hidden agendas or threats and that the Dolphins were here to stay.
Commissioner Moss reiterated that he would not support a deal with the Dolphins unless it was totally different from the Marlins and many of the details were worked out. He said he liked the idea suggested by Commissioner Bovo that the Mayor be involved in the negotiations, which provided him a level of comfort. He pointed out that this resolution only urges the State Legislature to allow the County the right to consider assessing an additional penny of professional sports bed taxes should they support a proposed deal.
Commissioner Heyman stated she was constantly being reminded by the media that she had voted against the Marlins Baseball Stadium project; however, she believed the Dolphins proposal was clearly different than the Marlins deal. She also noted the foregoing resolution was not only non-binding, but it would send a message to the Miami-Dade County Legislative Delegation urging them to advocate for the pursuit of investments to improve the stadium, and the process would consist of gathering the proper information and vetting it to determine whether the project was viable.
In response to Commissioner Heyman’s inquiry regarding what the current rate was in sports bed taxes levied on Miami-Dade County’s (MDC) mainland, Deputy Mayor Ed Marquez advised that the total rate collected in bed taxes was six percent (6%) and broken down into the following categories: 1) a Convention Development Tax rate of three percent (3%), which is collected throughout MDC, except in the cities of Surfside and Bal Harbour; 2) a Tourist Development Tax rate of two percent (2%), which is collected throughout MDC, except in the Cities of Surfside, Bal Harbour, and Miami Beach; and 3) a Professional Sports Tax rate of one percent (1%), which is collected throughout MDC, except in the Cities of Surfside, Bal Harbour, and Miami Beach.
Responding to Commissioner Heyman’s request for clarification, Mr. Marquez noted the current Professional Sports Tax rate was one percent (1%) and the proposed penny assessment would be levied on top of the current total six percent (6%) tax rate.
Commissioner Heyman summarized the intent of the foregoing resolution was to request the Florida Legislature to allow Miami-Dade County to increase its tax rate to 7 percent. She compared the County’s tax rate to other local governments, including Washington, D.C. at 14.5 percent; Atlanta, Georgia at 9 percent; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at 15.2 percent. She noted the second portion of the foregoing resolution would permit the State to grant a State sales tax rebate from the sale of goods and services at Sun Life Stadium in order to fund a portion of the costs expended for the upgrade and modernization of the stadium. Commissioner Heyman noted that every other sports franchise within the State of Florida, excluding Joe Robbie’s Miami Dolphins, had received a rebate from the State of Florida, including those areas that were not donor counties or did not incorporate conditions stipulating any terms of their engagement or involvement.
Mr. Dee confirmed that Commissioner Heyman was correct. He noted an effort was made to get that rebate in 1997, but it fell short. He also noted the aforementioned rebate is in place for improvements as it applied to Baseball, and eleven years remain before it is retired. He noted the Miami Dolphins were the first professional franchise in the State of Florida, and the owners did not pursue the sales tax rebate when it was available to them at that time.
Commissioner Heyman noted she supported this item, which only urged the State Legislature to allow the County to bump up the bed tax rate to an amount that was half the amount other counties across the nation were already receiving, and it would be used exclusively for professional sports venues and improvements. She reiterated that every other professional sports team in the State of Florida had received the sales tax rebate. She said she had concerns that Broward County would not be contributing towards the cost of improvements, but would receive a benefit from it, and said she would like to see the training camp moved to Dade County unless Broward County was willing to share in the costs. She also noted her concern regarding the Miami Beach Convention Center, and did not want this deal to infringe or compete with the funds to be used for the Convention Center. She asked that the Dolphins be specific in its commitment to pledge more.
Chairwoman Sosa recognized Mayor Oliver G. Gilbert III of the City of Miami Gardens to comment on this item.
Mayor Gilbert noted this item was already added to the City’s legislative agenda for a discussion and approval. He said he believed the proposed stadium improvements would be good for both the City and County and provide economic benefits for hotels, restaurants, and clubs on Miami Beach and throughout the County. He noted the City’s residents support the efforts to improve the stadium, which would allow for more concerts and Soccer events. He said he would not support a deal that was like the Marlin’s deal, and he trusted the County Commissioners and the Mayor ability to negotiate a better deal.
Commissioner Bell said she was surprised to learn how low the bed tax rates were in Miami-Dade County as compared to other counties across the nation. She asked if it was true that the additional penny levied in hotel bed taxes could only be used for sports venues.
Mayor Gimenez noted that was correct.
Commissioner Bell said she could never support reaching into the tax payers’ pockets to fund a private enterprise; however, this resolution was just a step to enable the County to levy an additional penny of professional sports bed tax and permit the State to grant a State sales tax rebate. She asked if the Miami Dolphins was the only sports team that did not receive this rebate.
Deputy Mayor Marquez clarified that the Dolphins do not get the state sales tax rebate, but the County levies a one penny professional sports tax that has benefited professional sports venues within the County.
Commissioner Bell pointed out that the Sports Complex and Race Track in Homestead were built with those dollars. She said she understood the public’s skepticism, but noted this legislation would not finalize a plan or commit the County to use the bed tax to fund the improvements, and if approved, the deal would not include using Ad Valorum revenues.
Mayor Gimenez noted he would never propose such a deal.
Commissioner Bell said this is just one step in the process to levy an additional penny and it would not impact the Convention Center, plus, the extra penny would be paid by tourists, and the County would reap the benefits of it, with no impact to its taxpayers. She said because of that, she would have to consider this proposal.
Commissioner Edmonson noted her concerns may be premature, but she wanted to place them on the record anyway. She pointed out that hotels benefited the most from these events, and she would like to have a dialogue to ensure other local businesses, like caterers and merchandisers, were given an opportunity to benefit from these events, as well. She asked if the Dolphins franchise had discussed a plan for diversity or inclusion of minorities in the project, and were any percentages developed.
Mr. Dee noted, currently, the franchise was in a preliminary stage of estimating the costs of the project, and had not put forth much effort in developing specific construction documents, Request for Proposals (RFPs) or vendor outsourcing; however, they did have preliminary discussions with Mr. Bill Diggs of the Miami Dade Chamber regarding participation, and it was productive. He said they intend to keep the jobs local and generate all jobs associated with the stadium through local sub-contractors in MDC, and to meet with the Latin Builders Association as well, to ensure diversity.
Commissioner Edmonson noted her concern was she did not want to repeat the same mistakes made in the Marlins deal, and would push for more transparency in this deal. She also noted she believed the County Commission should have some say in the construction plans and the events to follow. She commented about the statement made that the County would contribute a maximum of $199 million and the Dolphins would contribute a minimum of $201 million, which sounded like 50/50 to her. She said she would like a commitment from the Dolphins to pledge more funding, and hoped they would be more sensitive to the local community and its economy. Commissioner Edmonson agreed with Commissioner Heyman’s comments that the training camp should be moved to Miami-Dade County, since Broward County would benefit from the facility and events, but was not contributing to this project. She suggested that both Florida Memorial and Saint Thomas Universities would be good locations for the camp.
Mayor Gimenez pointed out that he considered the current proposal as a starting point for negotiating a deal.
Commissioner Monestime expressed his support for the proposed resolution since it was non-committal and only an urging to the State Legislature. He noted he would not support any deal that duped the community and would give the Dolphin organization the benefit of the doubt in being a good partner and upholding their part of the agreement. He pointed out the generous investment made by the Dolphins to build the NFL Yet Center in Gwen Cherry Park, District 3, which is a sustaining project in the community. He said he would be looking for a true partnership in this deal that would invest and create jobs in the community.
Commissioner Diaz commended Commissioner Heyman on her comment that today’s (01/23) decision before the County Commission was not a difficult one based on the information before them. He noted Mr. Ross and Mr. Dee were men of their word and commented on his working relationship with them on the Miami-Dade Sports Commission. He stressed the need for Miami-Dade County to be competitive, and opined that other cities were building state-of-the-art sports facilities to take business away from this community and South Florida. He pointed out that sports events created a lot of jobs in the community, and the professional sports bed tax rates were much greater in other counties compared to MDC’s rates. Commissioner Diaz voiced his trust in having Mayor Gimenez as an active participant in the negotiations with the Dolphins’ organization. He expressed his support for the Dolphins training camp to be relocated from Broward to Miami-Dade County and noted the importance of educating the residents of the county on this proposal.
Commissioner Zapata expressed support for this proposed resolution, noting it sent a message to Tallahassee that the County Commission believed in their community. He spoke about the County being at a disadvantage for not having world class infrastructures, which required some sacrifice and investment. He said he was committed to informing constituents in his district that this proposal was beneficial to the County over the long term. He expressed his confidence in Mayor Gimenez ability to negotiate on the County’s behalf with the Dolphins organization on this matter. He pointed out that most of what the Commission approved benefited private enterprises, and that was fine if it resulted in a good deal for the County.
Commissioner Suarez spoke about the community discord over the County’s participation in the Marlin’s Stadium deal. He asked for assurance that the Building Better Communities General Obligation Bond Program’s (GOB) funds would not be used for this proposal.
Commissioner Barreiro commented on the need for Mayor Gimenez and the executive branch to begin negotiations with the Dolphins’ organization. He noted there is a value associated with major sports venues and facilities that could not be quantified, because it generated a lot of jobs and revenues in the community.
Chairwoman Sosa clarified that the motion to adopt the foregoing proposed resolution was made by Commissioner Jordan and seconded by Commissioner Moss.
Chairwoman Sosa opined it was unfair to judge the Dolphin’s proposal based on the Marlin Stadium situation. She spoke about the Miami Dolphin’s legacy in this community for over forty years and the need to move this proposal forward. She stressed the need for the County Commission to be provided with specific details on the proposal, and recommended that Broward County be included in the negotiations, if they reaped any economic benefits from this proposal. She also stressed that no property Ad Valorem taxes be used; that the percentage of private funding be identified; that proof of community benefits be identified; and that alternatives be created or the possibility of an NFL financing program be looked into, should this legislation not be approved by the State Legislature.
Chairwoman Sosa expressed concern with the State asking the County to adopt a resolution supporting an effort that should be the State’s responsibility, and encouraged Mayor Gimenez to devise an alternative proposal should the State not approve the proposed one penny bed tax increase.
Mayor Gimenez recommended the Commission support this resolution and noted he had a greater level of confidence in the Dolphins’ organization. He stated he would begin talks with the Dolphins as soon as possible, and assured the Commission that any deal he negotiated with the Dolphins would be in the best interest of Miami-Dade County, have a clear public purpose, and a return on the investment. He indicated that prior to the negotiation process he would be seeking the assistance and expertise from consultants that dealt with similar issues throughout the country.
Mayor Gimenez commented on the need for a world class Convention Center and a sports facility; however, assured it would not be at the expense of County taxpayers. He noted any proposed financing for Sun Life Stadium improvements would be straightforward, and would not include any Ad Valorem taxes or county general funds.
Commissioner Jordan reiterated the action taken today (1/23) on the foregoing proposed resolution was non-binding. She spoke in support of this proposal and about the Dolphin’s financial commitment and their partnership, dedication and service to the entire community. She said “the Dolphins were a different kind of fish.” Commissioner Jordan commented that nothing prevented the Mayor from beginning negotiations with the Dolphins while the State considered this legislation. She concurred that the training camp should be relocated to Miami-Dade County and stressed the importance of educating the community on what this proposal was about and on the benefits that would be attained from it.
Hearing no further discussion, the Board proceeded to vote to adopt the foregoing proposed resolution as presented.

Office of the Chairperson

1/17/2013

Additions

1/23/2013

County Attorney

1/16/2013

Assigned

Geri Bonzon-Keenan

1/16/2013

Legislative Text

TITLE

RESOLUTION URGING THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE TO ENACT LEGISLATION TO ENABLE THE COUNTY TO LEVY AN ADDITIONAL PENNY OF PROFESSIONAL SPORTS BED TAX AND PERMIT THE STATE TO GRANT A STATE SALES TAX REBATE FROM THE SALE OF GOODS AND SERVICES AT SUN LIFE STADIUM IN ORDER TO FUND A PORTION OF THE COSTS EXPENDED FOR THE UPGRADE AND MODERNIZATION OF SUN LIFE STADIUM

BODY

WHEREAS, Sun Life Stadium hosts games for the Miami Dolphins and the Miami Hurricanes and premier events such as the Super Bowl, Pro Bowl, Orange Bowl, BCS Championships, world class soccer events and concerts; and
WHEREAS, each of these events bring visitors and tourists to Miami-Dade County, most of whom stay in hotel rooms and spend discretionary funds in the County resulting in the creation and/or retention of thousands of jobs in our community and spurs economic development vital to the economic health of Miami-Dade County; and
WHEREAS, Miami-Dade County and its businesses experience over $300 million in economic benefits through the hosting of a single Super Bowl; and
WHEREAS, Miami-Dade County has a rich tradition and world-wide brand associated with hosting 10 Super Bowls, more than any other major metropolitan area in the United States; and
WHEREAS, the Super Bowl Host Committee is now in the process of bidding for the 2016 50th Anniversary Super Bowl, the single most important Super Bowl bid to date, as well as the 2017 Super Bowl, against San Francisco and Houston, both of which will have new state-of-the-art stadiums as components of their bids; and
WHEREAS, the 25 year old Sun Life Stadium, one of the oldest NFL stadiums in the United States, is now in need of significant modernization so that it will be competitive with state-of-the-art venues in Dallas, San Francisco, New Orleans, Houston, Phoenix, and New York, all of which are aggressively pursuing future world-class events, such as the Super Bowl, BCS Championship and Semi-Final Games, international soccer matches, Pan-Am Games, Olympic-sanctioned events and large entertainment events; and
WHEREAS, upgrading and modernizing Sun Life Stadium to as-new condition would significantly enhance Miami-Dade County’s bid for the 2016 (50th Anniversary) and 2017 Super Bowls, would permit Miami-Dade County to remain competitive as a premier national and international location for world-class sports, and entertainment events, and help Miami-Dade County create thousands of local construction and permanent jobs and spur its economic growth for decades to come; and
WHEREAS, in order to develop a financial model to allow Miami-Dade County to sustain the long-term economic benefits from tourism that is related to major sports and entertainment events, and more specifically to support the as-new modernization and upgrade of Sun Life Stadium, it is necessary for the State to enact legislation to allow the Miami-Dade Commission to levy the existing statutorily authorized additional professional sports bed tax on persons (mostly visitors and tourists) lodging on the mainland of Miami-Dade County (which under current law, would exclude Miami Beach, Surfside, and Bal Harbour), and to allow the State to grant Sun Life Stadium a State sales tax rebate from goods and services sold at Sun Life Stadium, similar to what other professional sports franchises throughout the State have received for specific professional sports franchise facilities, subject to a statutory requirement that all or any portion of the State sales tax rebate shall be utilized to fund a capital improvement project(s) with a cost equal to or in excess of two hundred fifty million dollars ($250,000,000) provided a majority of the cost of such project is funded by private sources; and

WHEREAS, it is estimated that the completion of the proposed state-of-the-art upgrades to Sun Life Stadium alone would create approximately 3,700 construction jobs, an incremental 1,100 permanent jobs and approximately $2 billion in overall economic benefit to Miami-Dade County over a fifteen (15) year period,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA, that this Board:
Section 1. Urges the Florida Legislature to enact legislation that enables the Miami-Dade County Commission to levy by a “super majority” vote the already statutorily authorized additional penny of professional sports bed tax on persons lodging (mostly visitors and tourists) in the County, with the exception of those persons lodging at Miami Beach, Surfside and Bal Harbour, that permits the State to grant a State sales tax rebate on goods and services sold at Sun Life Stadium, and that authorizes the use of such bed tax and State sales tax rebate to fund a portion of the as-new modernization and upgrade of Sun Life Stadium for the benefit of Miami-Dade County’s economy, provided that the cost to renovate the facility will be in excess of two hundred fifty million dollars ($250,000,000), of which a majority will be funded by private sources.
Section 2. Directs the Clerk of the Board to transmit certified copies of this resolution to the Governor, Senate President, House Speaker, and the Chair and Members of the Miami-Dade County State Legislative Delegation.
Section 3. Directs the County’s state lobbyists to advocate for the legislation described in Section 1 above, and authorizes and directs the 2013 State Legislative Package be amended to include this item.